How to choose a pan?

Pot material: what to choose?

The material of the pan determines its durability, safety and ease of care. In addition, it affects the speed of cooking and its taste characteristics. It is important to consider not only the properties of the material, but also how it behaves with prolonged use. What are the best pans in this regard? Let's consider the most popular options:

Stainless steel pans

Stainless steel is one of the best materials for pans. It has a number of advantages:

• High strength and wear resistance.

• Does not chemically react with food, which makes it safe for health.

• Retains heat well, which contributes to uniform cooking of dishes.

• Easy to clean, scratch and rust resistant.

• Allows the use of metal spatulas and spoons without the risk of damaging the surface.

Additionally, stainless steel pans often have a multi-layered bottom, which allows for more efficient heat distribution and prevents food from burning. They are suitable for all stoves, including induction.

Ceramic pots

Ceramic pots are environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing. They are great for cooking without excess fat, thanks to their non-stick coating. Main advantages:

• Natural and safe material.

• High heat resistance, allowing it to withstand high temperatures.

• Does not absorb odors and flavors, which is important for preserving the taste of dishes.

• It has an attractive design, suitable for serving on the table.

Ceramic pots retain heat well, but require careful handling, as they can crack with sudden temperature changes.

Cast iron pans

Cast iron is a classic material that has been used in cooking for centuries. Cast iron pans have the following advantages:

• High heat capacity – food stays warm for a long time even after the stove is turned off.

• Resistance to mechanical damage and scratches.

• Natural non-stick effect that improves over time.

• Ideal for stewing and slow cooking.

Although cast iron is quite heavy, it lasts for decades and is ideal for slow cooking richly flavored dishes.

Which pans are safe?

Safe pans do not contain harmful substances and do not emit toxic fumes during cooking. The material from which the pan is made should be resistant to acids and high temperatures. The best in this regard are:

• Stainless steel pans do not oxidize and do not affect the taste of food, they are suitable for any products.

• Ceramic pots are made from natural materials and do not contain heavy metals.

• Cast iron pans do not have synthetic coatings and do not enter into chemical reactions.

Volume and shape of the pan

The right size of pan will help you avoid wasting time and effort when cooking. If the pan is too small, you will have to cook the food in several batches. If it is too large, it will take up extra space on the stove and in the cupboard. Key recommendations:

• 1-2 liters – for making sauces, cream soups and small portions.

• 3-5 liters is ideal for making soups, stews, and side dishes.

• 6+ liters – suitable for a large family or cooking for several days.

The shape of the pan also matters:

• Tall pots are ideal for soups, pasta and cooking vegetables. They prevent a lot of liquid from evaporating.

• Wide saucepans are convenient for stewing, braising, and cooking dishes that require liquid evaporation. They are ideal for pilaf and meat dishes.

Plate type compliance

The pan should be compatible with your type of stove to ensure efficient heat distribution and durability.

Gas stoves

Almost all types of pans are suitable for gas stoves, but it is better to choose those with a thick bottom that distributes heat evenly. Cast iron, aluminum and stainless steel pans perfectly withstand open fire and ensure stable cooking. It is important that the bottom is even and sufficiently massive, which will prevent food from burning.

Electric stoves

For electric stoves, it is preferable to use pans with a flat bottom, as the heating elements need to make close contact with the surface. The best options are pans made of stainless steel, ceramic, and cast iron. Such materials heat up quickly and retain heat for a long time, allowing you to cook food evenly.

Induction hobs

Induction hobs work using a magnetic field, so pans for them must contain ferromagnetic material. Stainless steel pans marked "induction" are best, as are cast iron models. It is important to check whether the pan has a special marking indicating compatibility with induction hobs to avoid problems in use.

All Krauff pots are suitable for all types of stoves, including induction.

Choosing a cover

Lids play an important role in the cooking process, retaining heat and helping to cook evenly. Glass lids with a steam release valve are best, as they allow you to monitor the cooking process without having to open the pot.

It is also worth paying attention to the tightness of the fit, which will help prevent moisture evaporation and ensure uniform heating of dishes.

Types of handles

Pot handles should be comfortable, ergonomic, and heat-resistant. They can be made of stainless steel, Bakelite, or silicone.

Metal handles can withstand high temperatures and allow the pan to be used in the oven, while plastic and silicone handles do not heat up and are comfortable to use. It is important that the handles are well secured and do not loosen during use.

Additional features

Modern pots have various additional functions that make the cooking process even more convenient.

Non-stick coating

Non-stick coating prevents food from sticking to the bottom and walls of the pan, which greatly facilitates the cooking process and care. The best are ceramic, titanium and marble coatings, which are environmentally friendly and safe for health.

Dimensional marks

The presence of measuring marks on the inner surface of the pan greatly simplifies the cooking process, allowing you to accurately measure the required amount of liquid or products without additional utensils.

Reinforced bottom

The reinforced bottom allows for even heat distribution, preventing food from overheating and losing its beneficial properties. Pans with a multilayer bottom are ideal for any stove, ensuring energy efficiency and durability.

Taking these criteria into account, you will be able to choose the perfect pan that will make the cooking process comfortable and efficient.